The National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in Canada have launched a collaborative effort aimed at improving graduate employability and fostering entrepreneurial skills in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

NUC’s Acting Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, underscored the urgency of bridging the skills gap at a three-day Stakeholders Capacity Workshop in Abuja. He outlined the NUC’s response, noting that a 2005 skills assessment identified employability challenges, poor graduate quality, and deficiencies in entrepreneurship education.

This led to the introduction of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), which allows Nigerian universities to customize 30% of their curriculum to address local industry needs and foster graduate readiness for the evolving workforce.

Jane-Frances Agbu, COL’s Higher Education Adviser, highlighted the need for adaptable skillsets in today’s competitive job market. She noted that linking quality education with employability is essential to creating a future-ready workforce, adding that while a university degree once offered a straightforward path to employment, the current market demands a broader range of competencies and practical experience.